The pandemic has caused massive problems for the aviation industry. However, there are now some glimpses of normality returning. In what will come as encouraging news for the travellers, British Airways is to reopen the doors to its Galleries Club lounge at JFK’s Terminal 7 following a sixteen-month closure.
The news that British Airways is reopening the Galleries Club Lounge at JFK’s Terminal 7 follows the recent reopenings of three of the airline’s domestic lounges; Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. The 1st August reopening of the lounge at JFK comes just in time as the UK government recently announced that US travellers who’ve been doubly vaccinated would be exempt from quarantine on arrival into the UK from the 2nd of August.
The reopening of the Galleries Club lounge means it will be available for use for those travelling in First, Club World and eligible cardholders ahead of their flights from JFK Airport to London Heathrow.
First and Club World passengers flying from JFK can also expect an enhanced check-in experience at the exclusive Premium Zone. In addition to this, the First Wing and First check-in will also be open to ensure travellers receive a smooth start to the journey.
British Airways customers will now also be able to use the airline’s innovative new digital app, ‘Your Menu’, to order food directly from their mobile device to their seat after scanning a QR code. The app will be available throughout the lounge, meaning that customers can select from a wide range of complimentary food and beverages to any seat.
At Heathrow, on their return to the US, customers will have access to the Club and First lounges from Terminal 5, which also boasts a new sleep zone, ‘Forty Winks’, allowing travellers to rest ahead of their flight.
Tom Stevens, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience, said: “After the news about the change in entry requirements for US customers into the UK, we expect to host more customers who need to travel and so we have decided that it is the right time to open our flagship lounge in New York.
“We are looking forward to welcoming some of our American customers back to London from next week and bringing Britons who reside in the US home for much-needed family time.”
The reopening of the Galleries Club lounge is the next step in British Airways phased reopening plan. Over the forthcoming weeks, there is expected to be a number of announcements that should see the airline operating in a more traditional way.
For more up to date information on British Airways, please visit their website www.ba.com.
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